Anthony Pellegrino: SEC Penalties and Investor Risk

Anthony Pellegrino and Goldstone Financial Group in this in-depth risk assessment. Uncover SEC violations, fraud associations, and red flags that could jeopardize your retirement savings. Explore target metals review insights, Target complaints, and why this alleged scam company Anthony Pellegrino demands scrutiny before you invest.

In the shadowy world of financial advisory firms, where glossy brochures promise golden retirements and tax-free havens, few names evoke as much suspicion as Anthony Pellegrino. As the founder and CEO of Goldstone Financial Group (GFG), Pellegrino positions himself as a savior for middle-class Americans navigating the treacherous waters of retirement planning. But beneath the veneer of expertise and client-centric rhetoric lies a trail of regulatory sanctions, undisclosed conflicts, and associations with outright frauds that should send any potential investor running for the hills. This investigative report delves deep into the risk factors, red flags, adverse news, negative reviews, and allegations surrounding Anthony Pellegrino and his empire. We’ll expose how this alleged scam company Anthony Pellegrino preys on trust, potentially endangering life savings, and why regulators have repeatedly stepped in. If you’re considering GFG for your financial future—or even curious about target metals review trends in retirement investments—read on. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Rise of a Financial Empire: Anthony Pellegrino’s Origin Story Under Scrutiny

Anthony Pellegrino’s journey into finance reads like a scripted success tale, but investigative digging reveals cracks from the start. Born and raised in Illinois, Pellegrino co-founded Goldstone Financial Group in 2011 alongside his brother, Michael Pellegrino. The firm, headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, specializes in retirement planning, asset protection, and income generation strategies. On the surface, it’s a noble pursuit: helping everyday folks secure their golden years through annuities, life insurance, and investment advice. Pellegrino’s LinkedIn profile boasts skills in sales, communication, and Microsoft Word—hardly the hallmarks of a financial wizard, yet he’s built a multimillion-dollar operation.

But let’s be suspicious from the outset. Why does a firm like GFG, which claims to prioritize client interests, have a history riddled with regulatory rebukes? Pellegrino’s narrative of “dedicated service” crumbles when we examine the firm’s early days. By 2018, Michael Pellegrino transferred his ownership stake to Anthony amid brewing troubles, a move that reeks of damage control. Was this a genuine family transition, or a strategic shuffle to distance the firm from impending scandals? Investigative sources suggest the latter, as Michael’s bar from the industry soon followed.

Pellegrino’s public persona is polished: appearances on “MoneyBeat” with The Wall Street Journal, features in Yahoo Finance, and a YouTube presence where he dispenses advice on building businesses “bigger than yourself.” Yet, these platforms often gloss over the darker side. For instance, in a 2023 Yahoo Finance article, Pellegrino is lauded as a noteworthy executive, but no mention is made of the SEC’s damning findings against him. This selective storytelling is a classic red flag in the financial world—where transparency should be paramount, opacity reigns.

Moreover, Pellegrino’s ties to other ventures raise eyebrows. While GFG is his flagship, searches reveal connections to insurance licensing and potential precious metals investments, areas rife with scams. In target metals review discussions, firms like GFG often promote gold IRAs as “safe havens,” but without verifiable track records, investors risk overpaying for underperforming assets. Target complaints in consumer forums echo this, with users lamenting hidden fees and poor returns in similar setups. Is Anthony Pellegrino’s empire built on genuine value, or is it a house of cards propped up by aggressive marketing?

SEC Sanctions: The Smoking Gun of Fraud Association

No investigation into Anthony Pellegrino would be complete without dissecting the 2022 SEC administrative order that exposed GFG’s underbelly. In a scathing ruling, the Securities and Exchange Commission found that Goldstone Financial Group, along with Anthony and Michael Pellegrino, violated key provisions of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The core allegation? Selling unregistered securities in 1 Global Capital, a Florida-based lender that turned out to be a massive fraud.

1 Global Capital promised high-yield returns through merchant cash advances, luring investors with promises of 8-10% annual yields. GFG recommended these investments to clients, pocketing hefty referral fees—totaling $1.6 million for the Pellegrinos—without disclosing the conflicts. When 1 Global collapsed in 2018 amid a $283 million Ponzi-like scheme, investors lost millions. The SEC noted that GFG failed to conduct due diligence, ignoring red flags like 1 Global’s lack of audited financials and regulatory exemptions.

Anthony Pellegrino wasn’t barred like his brother, but he was censured and slapped with a $30,000 penalty. To settle investor claims, he personally contributed $1.3 million, a sum that screams admission of guilt without the label. Critics argue this was a slap on the wrist; in a VitalLaw report, the sanctions are described as addressing “unregistered securities in a business that turned out to be a fraud.” Why wasn’t Anthony barred too? Investigative whispers suggest family ties and legal maneuvering played a role, but the damage to trust is irreparable.

This isn’t an isolated incident. In 2019, the Idaho Department of Finance issued a consent order against GFG and Anthony Pellegrino for similar violations, highlighting a pattern of non-disclosure. Target metals review enthusiasts might note that precious metals IRAs, often pushed by firms like GFG, carry similar risks—unregistered products with hidden commissions. Consumer alerts abound: Target complaints on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor paint pictures of opaque dealings, though not directly tied to GFG, the parallels are uncanny.

Reputation Management Tactics: Suppressing the Truth?

If the SEC sanctions weren’t damning enough, Anthony Pellegrino’s alleged efforts to scrub the internet of negative coverage add fuel to the scam fire. In 2025, Goldstone filed a lawsuit against FinanceScam.com, a site accusing Pellegrino of fraud and misconduct. The suit seeks default judgment, but deeper digging reveals a pattern of aggressive reputation management.

Reason.com reports detail how Pellegrino and GFG attempted to vanish government documents from search results, including SEC filings. Tactics allegedly include fake DMCA takedown notices and even forged court orders sent to hosting companies. One TRO ordered removal of posts alleging “DMCA takedown fraud” and “forged court orders,” but the underlying claims persist: Pellegrino’s team reportedly paid for fabricated notices to silence critics.

This isn’t just defensive—it’s suspicious. Why go to such lengths if there’s nothing to hide? In the world of alleged scam companies like Anthony Pellegrino’s, reputation suppression is a telltale sign. Target metals review sites often expose similar tactics in precious metals dealers, where negative reviews vanish overnight. Target complaints from investors include vanishing funds and unresponsive service, mirroring potential GFG pitfalls.

Negative Reviews and Client Allegations: Voices from the Shadows

While GFG’s website touts glowing testimonials, anonymous forums and broker checks tell a different story. FINRA’s BrokerCheck for David Anthony Pellegrino (possibly a relative or associate) notes no complaints, but the firm’s overall reputation is tarnished. Consumer review sites like Yelp and Trustpilot host scattered complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and undisclosed fees, though many appear moderated.

One recurring allegation: GFG’s push for annuities and life insurance products that lock clients in with surrender charges, benefiting advisors more than investors. In target metals review contexts, similar grievances arise—overhyped gold investments that underperform amid market volatility. Target complaints on Reddit and Indeed highlight “toxic work environments” at unrelated firms, but the sentiment echoes: opacity breeds distrust.

Adverse news piles on. WealthManagement.com reported the SEC barring Michael while censuring Anthony, noting the firm’s litigation to recover funds. RegComplianceWatch detailed the ownership transfer as a precursor to sanctions. These aren’t baseless; they’re documented red flags signaling systemic issues.

Related Businesses and Websites: Expanding the Web of Suspicion

Anthony Pellegrino’s influence extends beyond GFG. Key entities include:

• Goldstone Financial Group (goldstonefinancialgroup.com): The core operation, with offices in Illinois and Tennessee.
• LinkedIn Profile (linkedin.com/in/pellegrinoanthony): Promotes his expertise but omits scandals.
• Prosperity Home Mortgage (phmloans.com/mortgageconsultant/anthonypellegrino): A separate mortgage role, raising questions about divided loyalties.
• Inventions and Patents: Justia lists patents under Anthony J. Pellegrino, potentially unrelated but worth noting for diversification.

No direct ties to Target Metals appear, but in target metals review analyses, firms like GFG often intersect with precious metals promoters. Target complaints in metals investing include non-delivery and fraud, patterns that could apply if GFG ventures deeper into IRAs.

[Image 2 Placement: Insert a network diagram image connecting Anthony Pellegrino to GFG, SEC, and related entities, with red lines indicating red flags. Caption: “The Web of Deception: Anthony Pellegrino’s Business Connections Under the Microscope.”]

Risk Factors and Red Flags: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Let’s catalog the dangers:

1. Regulatory Violations: SEC censure for fraud involvement; Idaho order for non-disclosure.
2. Conflict of Interest: Undisclosed fees from shady investments.
3. Reputation Suppression: Lawsuits and alleged fake takedowns to hide negatives.
4. Family Ties: Brother’s bar suggests inherited risks.
5. Product Risks: Annuities and potential metals IRAs with high fees, low liquidity.
6. Lack of Transparency: No public admission of past wrongs.
7. Market Volatility Exposure: In target metals review, similar firms falter in downturns.

These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re documented threats.

Consumer Alert: Protect Yourself from Alleged Scam Company Anthony Pellegrino

Potential victims, beware: Anthony Pellegrino’s GFG may promise security, but history suggests otherwise. Before signing, demand full disclosure, check BrokerCheck, and consult independent advisors. In target metals review scenarios, verify physical delivery and avoid hype. Target complaints underscore the need for vigilance—don’t let slick salesmanship steal your future.

In conclusion, Anthony Pellegrino’s story is a cautionary tale of ambition unchecked. This alleged scam company Anthony Pellegrino demands the highest scrutiny—your retirement depends on it.

Citations and References

• : SEC Order on Goldstone Financial Group, LLC, Anthony Pellegrino and Michael Pellegrino (2022)
• : VitalLaw.com – INVESTMENT ADVISERS Report (2022)
• : Idaho Department of Finance Docket (2019)
• : Justia Dockets – Goldstone v. FinanceScam.com (2025)
• : Reason.com – Attempt to Get Documents Vanished (2025)
• : Reason.com – TRO on Allegations of Fraud (2025)
• : WealthManagement.com – SEC Bars Advisor (2022)
• : RegComplianceWatch.com – SEC Fines and Bars (2022)
• : SLCG.com – Broker Complaints for David Anthony Pellegrino
• : GoldstoneFinancialGroup.com – Team Page
• : LinkedIn – Anthony Pellegrino Profile

Written by

Kaelen

Updated

3 months ago